Small Business PTO and Vacation Policy - Any thoughts?
July 31, 2024
by a searcher from Emory University in Marietta, GA, USA
I am just working on updating the Paid Time Off (Holiday) Policy for the Company I acquired. Most of our staff are office workers. Our current policy is:
- 10 days PTO + 6 office holidays (16 total); sick leave is taken as PTO;
- after 5 years of service the PTO increases to 15 days
What is your PTO & Sick leave policy? What do you think is reasonable for small businesses with office workers?
in Tampa, FL, USA
What I have found to work the best from a culture standpoint is that the ownership should err on the side of the employee perspective. And the first step is to view the employees not as employees but as team members. It helps to start a mindset shift and you become a little less dollars and cents focused and a little more human and culture focused.
I found that a generous (10+days or unlimited) sick day policy is the way to go. 1) it does not give the impression that ownership is "stingy" - making me take vacation because I or my family is sick 2) great interview/hiring talking point and market differentiator because most blue collar and still many white collar SMBs will not have a similar policy. 3) you will quickly find out how strong your company culture is. If it is primarily transaction between you and your team - then the policy will most likely become abused. This would be a great sign to coach and develop the individual and team or cut the person and build the team and culture that you are looking for.
Happy to chat further if needed.
from North Park University in Orlando, FL, USA